Play Therapy
"Toys are used like words by children, and play is their language."
Garry Landreth
Play therapy makes a difference. Play is an enjoyable, fun activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. Play relieves feelings of stress and most importantly, helps us express ourselves.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy helps children to address and resolve their own problems, and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them.
The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as the “systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”
The "Be With" Principles
These principles are an important factor when working with children in the play room. These principles include; "I am here, I hear you, I understand and I care." When Children feel seen, heard, understood and cared for, they are free to feel and express their toughest emotions in the most natural way, which is PLAY!
What does Play Therapy help?
Play therapy helps children:
- Become more responsible for their behaviors and develop more successful strategies
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
- Learn to experience and express emotion
- Cultivate empathy and respect for the thoughts and feelings of others
- Learn new social skills and relational skills with family
- Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities
Play therapy aims to help a child’s growth and development. The practice of play therapy requires extensive, specialized education, training, and experience. With my knowledge and background, I am confident that I can walk along side your child as they learn about themselves and grow into their true self.
If you’re interested in learning more about play therapy and how it can help your child grow, contact me today for a free consultation.
Landreth's Tenets of Relating to Children
- Children are not miniature adults. The therapist does not respond to them as is they were.
- Children are people. They are capable of experiencing deep emotional pain and joy.
- Children are unique and worthy of respect. The therapist prizes the uniqueness of each child and respects the person the child it.
- Children are resilient. Children possess a tremendous capacity to overcome obstacles and circumstances in their lives.
- Children have an inherent tendency toward growth and maturity. They possess an inner intuitive wisdom.
- Children are capable of positive self-direction. They are capable of dealing with their world in creative ways.
- Children's natural language is play. This is the medium of self-expression with which they are most comfortable.
- Children have a right to remain silent. The therapist respects a child's decision not to talk.
- Children will take the therapeutic experience to where they need to be. The therapist does not attempt to determine when or how a child should play.
- Children's growth cannot be speeded up. The therapist recognizes this and is patient with the child's developmental process.